Ranger takes NZ ute title

The Ford Ranger has beaten Toyota’s Hilux to become New Zealand’s number-one ute. According to provisional figures, the Ranger was not only the top-selling ute in December with more than 700 registrations, it was also the year-end leader for 2014 in 6,345 units. “It’s a fantastic result and we would like to thank all of our Ranger customers and dealers throughout New Zealand for their support,” says Corey Holter, managing director of Ford NZ. “A lot of attention was put on the sales race this year, but we’ve always said it’s about the customers and leaving it up to them to decide. Well, they have decided and there is a new number one. We are very proud of the Ranger.” In addition to claiming the best-selling ute title, the Ranger is also New Zealand’s most-awarded truck. It has won numerous trophies every year since being launched in this country, including most recently being crowned NZ4WD Magazine’s four-wheel-drive (4WD) utility and overall 4WD of the year for 2014 awards, as well as being the NZ Herald’s commercial vehicle of the year 2014. Notably, the Ranger was the first ute to win the prestigious AMI and NZ AutoCar’s overall car of the year award, while it was best in class award at the NZ Car of the Year Awards run by the AA and NZ Motoring Writers’ Guild for the third year in a row. Marketing manager Chris Masterson cites overall value as the main driver for the Ranger’s success. “It’s a competitive segment and to be honest Kiwis are spoilt for choice when it comes to tough utes,” he says. “However, the Ford Ranger offers so much more than toughness. The range possesses unmatched levels of refinement. In addition to the Ranger’s reliability and capability, customers appreciate the smart technology, great design and five-star safety ratings for all models – both 2WD and 4WD. The bottom line is Ranger offers customers much more for their investments.” The year ahead is looking to be another record-breaking one for Ford NZ with new models being rolled out. Holter says while the success of the Ranger is cause for celebration, it’s just the beginning for New Zealand. “As excited as we are about the success of the Ranger, we’re even more excited about 2015. We are launching an unprecedented number of new vehicles this year that we are confident will follow in the Ranger’s footsteps. “Just to name a few, the all-new Ford Mondeo arrives in early 2015, followed by the new Focus and the all-new Ford Everest, and we round out the year with the all-new Mustang, which has everyone hugely excited. “For Kiwis, both customers and the competition, Ford NZ is the one to watch in 2015.”